7 Underrated Alabama Studs Who Deserve Recognition – Part IV
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Alabama is known for its rich football tradition, producing numerous talented players who go on to have successful careers at the collegiate and professional levels. However, there are always a few high school football studs who fly under the radar…
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Continue ReadingAlabama is known for its rich football tradition, producing numerous talented players who go on to have successful careers at the collegiate and professional levels. However, there are always a few high school football studs who fly under the radar and don’t receive the recognition they deserve. These underrated players possess exceptional skills and have the potential to make a significant impact on the field. Despite their lack of widespread attention, their talent and dedication make them worthy of acknowledgment. In this article, we will highlight seven underrated Alabama high school football studs who deserve recognition for their outstanding performances on the gridiron.
Jalen Corbitt
Jalen Corbitt
Everything about Corbitt game looks polished. Simple but effective releases at the line; doesn’t waste time. Solid route-runner who shows some snap at the stem and does a good job of selling double-moves; ran a variety of different patterns in school this past year, most of which came at the short and intermediate levels. Has the speed to threaten cornerbacks down the sidelines and tracks well over his shoulder. Makes nice adjustments to the ball and can catch away from his frame. Shows good awareness/technique near the sideline. Works back to the ball instead of letting it come to him. Able to climb the ladder and win over the top; uses his body well to shield defenders from the ball. Stop-start quickness can make him dangerous after the catch.
Nate Thomas Jr
Nate Thomas Jr
Thomas is a smooth accelerator who’s fast enough to eat up cushions quickly and threaten downfield on patterns like posts. Knows how to use releases to sell routes. Legitimate deep threat who changes speeds to lull defenders into a false sense of security. The team clearly thought he was a threat with the ball in his hands, as they often designed plays for him to get the ball with room to work (screens, reverses, etc.) Generally pays some attention to detail at the stem, sinking his hips and giving defenders something to think about before breaking. Shows a solid ability to track the ball over his shoulder when working downfield. Sideline awareness looks solid.
Jaxon Williams Jaxon Williams 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Headland | 2024 AL
Jaxon Williams Jaxon Williams 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Headland | 2024 AL
Williams is light on his feet in the pocket. Has a quick release and gets the ball out fast on predetermined reads such as screens. Arm talent stands out, with the ball jumping out of his hand, gets impressive zip on his throws. Still able to pass with velocity when executing off-platform throws. Willing to hit check-downs when his primary read is covered. Able to make throws when rolling out and generally keeps his eyes downfield when scrambling. A true dual-threat who can carry the ball on designed runs/options or pick up first-downs with his feet in the passing game. Surprisingly elusive and physical runner for the quarterback position. Shows impressive toughness.
Lawson Hughes
Lawson Hughes
Hughes is very well-built center with a muscular build. Plays the game with the nastiness and killer instinct teams look for; relishes opportunities to put opponents in the dirt, and works hard to stay engaged through the whistle. Typically fires out with a low pad level to compete in the leverage battle. Has excellent power in his hands to jolt opponents on contact and the upper-body strength to generate torque and sling down defenders. Overall placement is consistently inside; has never committed more than three penalties in a season. Grip is very strong overall. Keeps his feet churning after contact to generate movement. Collapses the defense’s run fits when he attacks the outside shoulder. Some ability to climb up to the second level and engage. Technically sound in pass protection, with solid extension, balance, and knee-bend. Drops an early anchor against power with a stable base and excellent contact balance.
Tristan Childers Tristan Childers 5'11" | 200 lbs | RB Boaz | 2025 State AL
Tristan Childers Tristan Childers 5'11" | 200 lbs | RB Boaz | 2025 State AL
Childers is a solid athlete who’s fast enough to outrun defenders to the edge, and has good burst/acceleration to hit the hole. Patient player who lets things develop and makes good decisions. Works well through congestion. Makes pretty sharp cuts when stretching the defense laterally. Nice vision and footwork to recognize and hit cutback lanes. Elusive runner in the hole to make defenders miss one-on-one. Low pad level and strong leg drive allow him to push the pile and grind out additional yardage after contact; nice toughness and competitiveness to finish. Runs through arm tackles at the second level. The team gives him opportunities in the screen game, some of which he capitalized on for big plays.
Eli Morrison
Eli Morrison
Morrison is a good decision-maker who’s willing to go beyond his first read to find a throw he likes. Flashes the ability to throw with anticipation and to manipulate defenders with his eyes. He doesn’t need to have a wide-open receiver to target them; he trusts his receivers/arm enough to try and stick passes. Has a quick, efficient throwing motion. Ball placement is good over the middle of the field. Uses appropriate touch. Able to make big-time throws out to the sidelines; can drop passes in a bucket down the field. Effective at attacking the defense on seam routes; can put passes on receivers in stride downfield, facilitating yards after the catch. Not a rushing threat but is a pretty good athlete who can escape pressure and buy time; rarely gets sacked when facing pressure.
Kaden Washam
Kaden Washam
Washam is a legitimate deep threat and shows impressive acceleration and top-end speed, creating opportunities underneath. Predominantly ran routes to the intermediate/deep levels, but there are hitches, jerk routes, etc., mixed in underneath as well. Has clean footwork to release at the line against press. Attacks leverage as a route-runner. Doesn’t need to shift down much through the stem and can be difficult to stick with on overs and other patterns of that nature. Settles down into soft spots in zone. Overall flexibility looks good. Shows impressive focus and body control to come down with catches in traffic. Makes solid adjustments to throws away from his frame. Shows an understanding of positioning and brings a desirable level of physicality when blocking, and the team often motioned him into a tight alignment to block on the edge.